Speaking after two directors of a Nechells recycling firm were found guilty of health and safety breaches which resulted in the deaths of five men, Shabana Mahmood said:

“For six years long families bereaved by the Shredmet tragedy have fought for justice.

“From the very beginning, I have been clear that the government and the Health and Safety Executive did not handle this case with the speed and sensitivity it deserved.

“A guilty verdict against the company and its owners has proven what families knew to be true: negligent and exploitative practices on the site directly resulted in the deaths of their loved ones.

“I cannot contemplate the depth of grief felt by the families of Almamo Jammeh, Ousmane Diaby, Bangally Dukureh, Saibo Sillah and Mahamadou Jagana, who all died trying to make a better life for their wives and children.

“I only hope this verdict will provide some solace when they remember those who lost their lives.”

ENDS